Fraxel® Laser

Fraxel works to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin in the skin, promoting a more youthful skin. Fraxel uses microscopic points of light to target a small fraction of the skin at a time on precise areas below the skin’s surface.

FRAXEL® WORKS TO REJUVENATE THE SKIN BY STIMULATING COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN IN THE SKIN, PROMOTING A MORE YOUTHFUL SKIN. FRAXEL® IS A REVOLUTIONARY LASER TREATMENT THAT HELPS YOU TO REMOVE YEARS FROM YOUR APPEARANCE.

Fraxel® is the pioneer of "fractional photothermolysis", a technology in which thousands of microscopic laser columns - each just one-tenth the diameter of a hair follicle - treat a fraction of the skin at a time without affecting the surrounding tissue. Fraxel® uses microscopic points of light to target a small fraction of the skin at the time on precise areas below the skin's surface to stimulate the production of younger, smoother, healthier skin to replace damaged tissue.

What can we treat? Your skin is unique – your genetic make-up, lifestyle and personal history all contribute to how your skin looks and feels. Fraxel® can target between approximately 5 and 20 percent of the skin at a time, leaving the remaining percent available to quickly heal the treated areas. Since Fraxel® is so precise, it’s safe and effective on delicate skin areas like the neck, chest and hands, in addition to the face.

How is Fraxel® treatment different from other laser skin rejuvenation procedures? Traditionally, two kinds of laser treatment have been available for cosmetic skin treatment: ablative and non-ablative. Typical ablative treatments, which use a high temperature to vaporize unwanted tissue, can be effective—but with significant side effects and several weeks of recovery time. Non-ablative treatments, meanwhile, have very few side effects and low downtime, but they commonly require numerous treatments to produce more modest results.

Fraxel laser treatment delivers the potency of ablative treatments with the gentle safety of non-ablative lasers. So you get the best of both worlds: dramatic results and less downtime.

THE FRAXEL® DIFFERENCE

HOW MANY FRAXEL® TREATMENTS WILL I NEED AND HOW WILL THEY BE SPACED? Clinical studies suggest that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 4 to 6 sessions spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Depending on your condition and schedule, you and the physician may choose to space treatment sessions further apart. Results are immediate and progressive, with optimal improvement usually visible in 2 to 3 months. This time frame and treatment structure allow for complete healing and the production of new collagen and elastin to replace damaged tissue.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE AFTER A FRAXEL® TREATMENT?Follow your therapist’s advice on wound care, which is essential for your skin to heal properly. Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3 months after your last treatment, and wear a wide-brimmed hat when you’re in the sun.

HOW LONG DO THE POSTITIVE EFFECTS OF A FRAXEL® TREATMENT LAST?It depends on your particular condition and how you care for your skin. Once your skin is treated, continue to protect it as described above. Your therapist will give you specific advice based on your individual needs.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT AND HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from Fraxel re:fine treatment. Any swelling is typically minimal and subsides within a day or two, and any redness typically fades within a few days. Other temporary side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance. There is a very limited risk of infection, pigmentary changes (hyperpigmentation), or scarring. The intensity and duration of side effects depend on the aggressiveness of treatment and on your particular healing characteristics. Your therapist will provide specific instructions about what to expect and how to minimize any side effects. Other potential side effects include prolonged redness, swelling, blistering, herpes reactivation and acne flare-up.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER A TREATMENT?During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel like it's sunburned, and it will appear pink or red. You can wear make-up to reduce the sunburned appearance. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next week or two, and as you continue treatment, the sunburned-to-bronzed appearance will repeat. As with a sunburn, your skin will flake and exfoliate normally. Use a moisturizer to reduce the appearance of dry flakes.

DO FRAXEL® TREATMENTS HURT?Most clients describe a "prickling" sensation during treatment. To minimize discomfort, topical anesthesia is applied before the procedure and cold air is used on the treatment area during the procedure. After the treatment, most clients feel like they have a sunburn, which usually diminishes in 1 to 3 hours.

HOW ARE FRAXEL® TREATMENTS PERFORMED?First, your skin will be cleansed. Then, about 60 minutes prior to treatment, a topical anesthetic ointment will be applied to the treatment area. The Fraxel re:fine procedure takes 20 to 25 minutes for a full face.

HOW DOES A FRAXEL® TREATMENT WORK?Fraxel re:fine treatment targets age spots/sunspots and fine lines around the eyes. The treatment uses microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into your skin to expedite your body's remodeling of collagen. And since the laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, it leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which promotes very rapid healing. You will have minimal downtime, and you'll have very little swelling or redness. Unlike treatments such as IPL or microdermabrasion, which target a very superficial layer of your skin, Fraxel re:fine treatment actually resurfaces your skin by stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells from the inside out.

HOW MUCH DOES A FRAXEL® TREATMENT COST?Depending on your condition and the areas to be treated, the cost ranges from $149 to $2,200 per treatment. Keep in mind that maximum benefit is usually achieved in 4 to 6 treatment sessions spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart.